Olympic rower Zac Purchase to visit Isle of Ely Rowing Club

Zac Purchase, men’s lightweight double sculls silver medalist in London 2012 and Beijing Olympic gold medalist in 2008 will be paying two inspirational visits to the Isle of Ely Rowing Club.
Zac’s visits are part of a Learn to Row course for 17-25 year olds, which is funded by a grant, the £56 million National Lottery funded Olympic and Paralympic legacy aimed at 11 to 25-year-olds. “Our Sportivate programme is all about listening to young people and putting on taster sessions in a sport of their choice to help them make the step into community sport and set them on the path to creating a sporting habit for life”, said Jayne Molyneux, the Strategic Lead for Youth at Sport England, which funds the Sportivate programme.
The first session, which Zac will also attend, will take place at Isle of Ely Rowing Club, Kiln Lane, Ely, on 10^th August between 6.30–8pm and continue every Monday for 5 weeks. The course will include a capsize drill and coaching on and off of the water. Zac will make his second visit on Monday 7^th September to see how the new rowers are progressing. “Having been involved in sport for many years, I have seen the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. I hope to share my challenging experiences to the benefit of others and I’m really looking forward to help the participants get fully involved in rowing” Zac enthused.
The Isle of Ely Rowing Club was established 11 years ago and caters for all ages and abilities, from junior and adult beginners to Olympic hopefuls. If you are between 17-25 years old and want to try your hand at rowing and to meet an Olympic Sporting Champion into the bargain, then please contact course organizer Duncan McCulloch (duncanmcculloch2@gmail.com).